Seatrade Maritime News Podcast

Suez Canal return for container lines, X-Press Pearl Captain stranded in Sri Lanka, and Iran blacklists Sinokor.

These are just some of the stories that are covered in the latest episode of Maritime in Minutes.

Seatrade Maritime News’ Marcus Hand and Gary Howard reflect on the month of October, with their highlights from the news in maritime and shipping, from the biggest stories to those that simply piqued their interest.

Hear more about:

Zim sale in balance as full-year forecasts soar

VLCC rates push to $1.2m per day for Gulf of Oman loading

Full Suez return for container carriers expected by Q1 2027

Alternative fuels – capability doesn’t equal consumption

US vessel seizures – the prize law’s return?

X-Press Pearl Master stranded in Sri Lankan legal limbo for over five years

Crew Connect Global 2026: Security, criminalisation and the digital divide dominate day one

Iran’s Hormuz authority to take 'legal action' against Sinokor fleet

Container lines facing unavoidable tonnage tsunami

Listen to the full episode now

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For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com

Connect with Marcus Hand:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Connect with Gary Howard:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GaryLeeHoward
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyleehoward/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters have surged sharply in October and will we explore what this means for exports from the region and the maritime industry.

In the latest Maritime Crossroads episode Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News and Noam Rayden a Senior Research Fellow at the Washington Institute of Near East Policy discuss the upsurge on ship attacks by Iran.

In our last episode, we explored Iranian attacks against commercial shipping over the past months, looking for patterns and trends to understand how these attacks have evolved and what to expect next. We also warned of more attacks to come based on Iran’s maritime behavior which has proved to be the case.

This month, more than 20 ship attacks have been recorded in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waterways.

In today’s episode, we discuss the latest ship attacks, examining a few of them to identify the vessels targeted and consider how this may or may not affect the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest attacks come amid the gradual recovery in the region’s crude exports, including those from Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest oil producer. Iraq is among the most vulnerable exporters because it relies on the Strait of Hormuz for its southern crude oil exports, which mainly head to Asia, its key market.

We also zoom in on Iraq which we believe deserves more attention given its internal challenges amid the region’s shipping and energy crisis.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

In this episode, Seatrade Maritime News Editor Marcus Hand speaks with Dersenish Aresandiran, the Chief Commercial Officer of Malaysian Aviation Group, about the evolving strategies of Malaysia Airlines in the corporate travel sector, particularly in marine and energy travel.

Discover how Malaysia Airlines is positioning itself as a trusted partner, focusing on reliability, flexibility, and personalised service to meet the specialised needs of these sectors. You will learn about the airline's ambitious transformation and commitment to enhancing the travel experience for corporate clients.

The conversation includes

• Corporate travel strategy
• Differentiation in corporate travel proposition
• Marine and energy travel requirements
• Malaysia's strategic location
• Transformation of Malaysia Airlines
• Future ambitions for corporate travel

Listen to the full episode now

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

In this episode, Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News, engages with Captain Somasundar Nair and Captain Abhishek Sinha from Fleet Management to discuss the future of crewing in the maritime industry.

The conversation explores the future of maritime talent, the enduring importance of the Philippines to the global seafaring workforce, and the role that training, leadership development and crew wellbeing play in supporting safe, reliable and efficient operations.

Captain Soma and Captain Abhishek share insights on the significance of leadership, crew wellbeing, and the interconnectedness of performance and safety culture. They emphasize the need for continuous learning and investment in training to ensure that the next generation of maritime leaders is equipped to handle the complexities of modern shipping.

Key topics discussed include:

• The evolving landscape of seafaring and crew requirements
• Strategies for attracting and retaining young talent in the industry
• The pivotal role of Filipino seafarers in global maritime operations
• Investments in training facilities and career development programs
• The importance of family support in seafarer welfare
• Building a strong safety culture through trust and accountability

Listen to the full episode now

In this episode, we explore the important seafarers health and well-being with Rebecca Hayes Mejia from Marine Benefits.

Learn about insights from the Re:fresh programme, an initiative aimed at understanding and improving seafarer health over the past decade.

In a conversation with Marcus Hand Editor of Seatrade Maritime News Rebecca discusses key findings from the latest reports, the evolution of the surveys, and how shipping companies can utilise the data to implement effective health interventions.

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the challenges and advancements in seafarer health.

The conversation covers:

• The Re:fresh Programme
• Key findings from the 2024 report
• Participation in the 2026 report
• Benefits for companies participating
• The upcoming release of the 2026 report
• Insights from seafarers

Listen to the full episode now

In this episode, Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Trade Maritime News, interviews Stuart Ostrow, Founder and President of ShipMoney, a maritime fintech company that provides innovative E-Wallet and payroll services for seafarers.

The discussion covers the complexities of banking and personal finance for those working far from home on the world’s oceans, the challenges of remitting payments across borders, and the unique solutions ShipMoney offers to streamline these processes.

Stuart shares insights into the regulatory landscape, the importance of communication technology, and the company's future plans for expansion.

Listeners will also hear about ShipMoney’s upcoming fundraising for Sailors’ Society where Stuart will be hiking to Everest base camp. Please follow this link if you would like to make a donation https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sailors-society-everest-shipmoney

The conversation covers:

• The need for maritime-specific payment solutions
• Challenges in remitting payments
• The importance of people in the business
• Handling exceptions in crew payments
• Technological advancements in communication
• Cybersecurity measures
• Fundraising trek for Sailors’ Society
• Future plans for ShipMoney

Listen to the full episode now

Asian port congestion, tankers in the crosshairs in Hormuz, and the Panama Ship Registry under pressure.

These are just some of the stories that are covered in the latest episode of Maritime in Minutes.

Seatrade Maritime News’ Marcus Hand and Gary Howard reflect on the month of September, with their highlights from the news in maritime and shipping, from the biggest stories to those that simply piqued their interest.

Hear more about:

Over 50% of vessels delayed at Asia’s busiest container ports

Samsung hits CMA CGM with $186m complaint in US over delivery failures

Tankers caught at centre of US-Iran escalation spiral

Philippines set to ban deployment of seafarers in Strait of Hormuz

Hormuz shuttle tankers: An evolving trend amid the Iran War

VLCC rates smash through million dollar barrier

Drones and USVs replace mines as Black Sea’s floating hazard

Under pressure: Panama Ship Registry drops to 3rd in global rankings

Listen to the full episode now

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com

Connect with Marcus Hand:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Connect with Gary Howard:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GaryLeeHoward
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyleehoward/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

In this episode ahead of Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global 2026 we turn the spotlight on seafarer welfare.

Marcus Hand from Seatrade Maritime News, engages Erikkos Andreakos from MarTrust and Simon Grainge from ISWAN in a compelling conversation about their partnership aimed at improving crew welfare for seafarers.

Discover how MarTrust, as a dedicated payment provider for the industry, is addressing the financial challenges faced by seafarers, and learn about the innovative Power BI Dashboard developed with ISWAN and designed to gather insights into their welfare needs.

This episode highlights the critical intersection of finance and mental health in the maritime industry and sets the stage for future developments in seafarer support.

The conversation covers:

• The Importance of financial security for seafarers
• MarTrust’s Partnership with ISWAN
• The role of data in seafarer welfare
• Insights from the Power BI Dashboard
• Future directions for the partnership

Listen to the full episode now

Iranian attacks on commercial shipping have been on the increase in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf region.

There was a lull in attacks in June during the short-lived US – Iran MoU, but numbers have risen significantly since then through July, August and into September.

Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News discusses trends in Iranian attack on shipping with Noam Rayden a Senior Research Fellow at the Washington Institute of Near East Policy.

In this Maritime Crossroads episode, we try to answer a central question: Around six months into the Iran war, how have Iranian attacks against commercial shipping evolved, where are they concentrated now, and what could lie ahead?

The conversation covers:

• Overview of Attacks (June - August)
• Detailed analysis of attacks in August
• Iran’s shift in targeting strategy
• The impact of US Naval presence and blockade
• Future implications for maritime security in the Middle East

Listen to the full episode hear about all these topics and much more

In this episode, host Gary Howard from Seatrade Maritime News welcomes Akshay Anand, CEO of Al Barrak Group, to discuss the evolving landscape of Middle East logistics in light of recent disruptions.

During the conversation they delve into the importance of resilience in supply chains, the need for adaptability, and how trade routes are being reshaped by geopolitical challenges. With the Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress in Jeddah next month, this episode timely and insightful for anyone involved in global trade.

The conversation covers:

• Resilience in supply chains
• Planning for disruption
• Adjustments to trade routes
• The role of technology
• Partnerships in logistics
• Future of logistics in the Middle East

Listen to the full episode now

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Gary Howard:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GaryLeeHoward
• Follow on Twitter:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyleehoward/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

In this latest episode of the Seatrade Maritime News Podcast we explore the innovative Sigma platform designed by Speedcast, and how it is reshaping connectivity management for ship owners and operators.

Join Timo Biemueller VP of Maritime in EMEA and Anastasis Gryponisiotis VP of Software Engineering as they discuss how Sigma optimises network management, enhances real-time communication, and adapts to the evolving maritime landscape.

The conversation covers

• An overview of Sigma
• Traffic management in Sigma
• Standardising management across vessels
• Integration of value-added services
• Cyber security in multi-network environments
• Future connectivity requirements

Listen to the full episode now

In this episode, we explore the role of marine coatings in enhancing vessel efficiency and compliance in today's shipping industry.

Join us as Clementine Mathieu and Bert Adema from PPG discuss innovative coating technologies, the benefits of electrostatic application, and how these advancements contribute to fuel savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Discover how the right coating can improve the operational efficiency of vessels and help ship owners meet stringent regulations while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

The conversation covers

• Importance of coatings in vessel efficiency
• Integrated solutions for shipowners
• Benefits of electrostatic application
• Low friction fouling release coatings
• Compliance and efficiency
• Digital tools for ship efficiency
• Importance of proper application
• Future developments in marine coatings

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads. Feel free also to recommend the show to a friend or colleague that you think would enjoy it.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

Declining seafarer happiness, soaring tanker rates, and the Arctic Silk Route

These are just some of the stories that are covered in the latest episode of Maritime in Minutes.

Seatrade Maritime News’ Marcus Hand and Gary Howard reflect on the month of August, with their highlights from the news in maritime and shipping, from the biggest stories to those that simply piqued their interest.

Hear more about:

Geopolitical strain exposes shipping’s crew welfare failings

VLCC spot rates hit the stratosphere with Sinokor Hormuz fixture

Jebel Ali volumes plummet 90.1% in second quarter

Container carriers line up Arctic services as Red Sea alternative

Genco and Diana fire parting shots as Diana withdraws acquisition offer

Is it time to rethink security when maritime faces continuous conflict?

OFAC warns Hormuz compliance alone may breach Iran sanctions

Iran threatens 45 blacklisted ships with seizure and fines

Ningbo-Zhoushan overtakes Singapore as world's 2nd largest container port

Listen to the full episode now

In this episode, we sit down with Quintin V. Kneen, the President and CEO of Tidewater.

In Conversation with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News, Quintin discusses Tidewater’s recent acquisition of Wilson Sons Ultra Tug in Brazil, the current state of the offshore support vessel market, and the importance of staying connected with their crew.

As Tidewater celebrates its 70th anniversary, Quintin shares insights on market trends, the significance of Brazilian-built vessels, and the company's approach to mergers and acquisitions.

The conversation covers:

• Acquisition of Wilson Sons Ultratug Offshore
• Special privileges of Brazilian-built vessels
• Future M&A opportunities
• Tidewater's 70th anniversary celebrations
• The current state of the offshore market

Listen to the full episode now

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

SMM Hamburg is just around the corner and in this latest episode you’ll hear about what the event has in store for visitors this year.

The Seatrade Maritime News Podcast features Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President of Exhibitions at Hamburg Messe and Congress in conversation with host Emma Howell, Content Director at Seatrade Maritime News.

They delve into the rich history and evolution of SMM Hamburg, a cornerstone event in the maritime industry since 1963. Claus shares his experiences and highlights the innovations made in recent years, including the emphasis on digitalisation and green propulsion.

As they look ahead to this year's event, listeners will learn more about new features, emerging market participation, and the anticipated attendance of around 50,000 visitors at SMM Hamburg.

The conversation covers

• Evolution of SMM Hamburg
• Highlights in 2026
• Emerging markets participation
• Maritime Security Defense Conference

Listen to the full episode now

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads. Feel free also to recommend the show to a friend or colleague that you think would enjoy it.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

Since the start of the conflict in the Middle East Iran has sought to exert control of the Strait of Hormuz and establish a new navigational order.

In a new monthly series on the Seatrade Maritime News Podcast entitled Maritime Crossroads we will be exploring the critical issues of maritime and energy risks in the Middle East region.

The series features Noam Raydan, a Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy discussing issues with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News.

The first episode explores how Iran is changing the navigational order in one of world’s most key waterways – the Strait of Hormuz.

The internationally recognised routes in the Strait of Hormuz were adopted by International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1968 but these are no longer being used by commercial shipping.

“Instead, we have a completely new navigational order, and this is what Iran right now wants to shape according to its own terms. So, in this new navigational order which we are seeing emerging in the region, we have completely new lanes that are being used by commercial shipping,” she says.

The conversation covers:

• Changes in navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
• Iranian threats and shipping risks
• Trends in energy transport in the region
• The role of pipelines in energy security
• Humanitarian issues for seafarers
• Future challenges in the region

Listen to the full episode now

In a five-part series mid-year we take stock of shipping markets in the first six months of the year and look ahead to the remainder of the 2026 with experts Maritime Strategies International (MSI).

In this third part the Seatrade Maritime Podcast talks with Will Fray, a Director with MSI about the performance and outlook for the dry bulk shipping market.

Overview of the dry bulk market

Factors behind rising secondhand values

Geopolitical impacts on dry bulk trade

Demand outlook for the second half of 2026

Supply side analysis and fleet growth

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

In a five-part series mid-year we take stock of shipping markets in the first six months of the year and look ahead to the remainder of the 2026 with experts Maritime Strategies International (MSI).

In this second part the Seatrade Maritime Podcast talked to Daniel Richards from MSI, about the developments in the container shipping market and the outlook for the remainder of the year.

The episode covers:

Overview of the first half of 2026

Factors Influencing freight rates

Demand and supply dynamics

Market predictions for the second half of 2026

The charter market landscape

Future of newbuilding orders

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

In a five-part series mid-year we take stock of shipping markets in the first six months of the year and look ahead to the remainder of the 2026 with experts Maritime Strategies International (MSI).

In this first part the Seatrade Maritime News Podcast talked to Adam Kent, Managing Director of MSI, about the overall macro-economic picture for shipping so far in 2026, and what lies ahead.

This year has been characterised by geopolitical disruption with the US/Israel – Iran war, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a worsening of security in the Black Sea with the ongoing Russia – Ukraine conflict, and continued trade wars.

“We didn't think that the world is shipping to get any more complex 2026 has certainly shown us otherwise. Up until year to date, the industry has once more been confronted with more geopolitical shocks and a playbook that seemed to change almost on a daily basis. But overall, I'd say that certainly from a shipping markets perspective, they've continued to adjust and have performed actually quite well,” Kent explains.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

Shipping has faced multiple geopolitical shocks in the first half of 2026 so where are markets headed in the remainder of the year?

In this episode, we take a comprehensive look at the shipping markets as we head into the second half of 2026.

Join Marcus Hand and the experts from Maritime Strategies International (MSI), including Adam Kent, Daniel Richards, Will Fray, and Tim Smith, as they analyse the current state and future outlook for container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tankers, and shipbuilding.

Looking back on the first half of the year Adam Kent, Managing Director of MSI comments, “We didn't think that the world is shipping to get any more complex. I think 2026 has certainly shown us otherwise. Up, until year to date, the industry has once more been confronted with more geopolitical shocks and a playbook that seemed to change almost on a daily basis.”

While shipping has been rocked events such as the US – Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz markets have benefited from disruption, and while the likes of large tankers are witnessing extreme volatility the overall earnings picture across the major sectors of shipping has been extremely positive.

Starting out with a broad macro-economic overview of shipping markets the team from MSI take the listener through specific major sectors, what has happened so far in 2026 and what lies ahead for the remainder of the year and beyond.

You’ll hear about the:

• Container shipping market overview with Daniel Richards
• Dry bulk market analysis with Will Fray
• Tanker market insights with Tim Smith
• Newbuilding and shipbuilding market overview with Adam Kent

Listen to the full episode now get the low down on where shipping is headed in the second half of 2026

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn